Photo courtesy of the Villanova University Digital Library (1968 Belle Air, p. 137).
Spring is finally here! Warm weather and rainy days are on the way. Don’t forget your umbrellas, Wildcats!
Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication & Marketing Specialist at Falvey Library.
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore said, “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
In life, no matter where you started from or where you’re at, there’s always room to grow. Self-improvement, although sometimes challenging and laborious, can be a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor. And it’s never too late to start.
As you progress through the semester, remember that it doesn’t always matter how you started, it matters how you finish. There is always time to improve, whether it’s developing better study habits or perfecting your self-care routine. Grow something sustainable and beautiful.
Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff
Shadow of a Taxman: Who Funded The Irish Revolution (1919-21)? | 4-5:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served
The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free
The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free
Spring 2023 Falvey Forum Workshop: Intro to Transkribus | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here
The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free
Interfaith Human Library: Where Books Talk and We All Learn about Life in a Multi-Faith World | 4-5:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff | Light Refreshments Served | Register Here
The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free
Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public
The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free
Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash
Today, March 20, is the Spring Equinox, or the first official day of spring. Fittingly, International Day of Happiness is also celebrated today. Take some time to do something that makes you happy today, especially if that something involves spending some time outside (even if the weather isn’t quite the sunny, mid-70s spring day we’re hoping for). And, if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can swing by Rita’s and take advantage of their annual free water ice celebration.
Tomorrow, March 21, is World Poetry Day, a day for appreciating the art and craft of poetry. If you’re the creative-type, you can celebrate by trying your hand at poetry, whether it’s writing a poem about something that inspires you or reciting a piece at a poetry event. If you’re more of a reader, Falvey has a vast collection of poetry to tickle your fancy, from classics like Poe’s The Raven (which has an amazing narration from the late Christopher Lee here) to more recent staples, such as Milk and Honey. Still looking for more? You’re welcome to attend our 2023 Literary Festival Event featuring poet Donika Kelly next week on March 30.
Feeling bogged down by the pressures of the semester? Give yourself a break from the seriousness by celebrating International Goof-Off Day on Wednesday, March 22. While goofing off certainly won’t solve all your problems, letting some silliness into your day can help relieve anxiety and bring levity during times of stress.
In the mood for some greasy, delicious food? This Friday, March 24, is National Cheesesteak Day. Whether you prefer your cheesesteaks from one of the (tourist) famous chains or from a local mom-and-pop shop, Philly natives and newcomers alike can enjoy this Philadelphia delicacy in celebration of this holiday.
Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.
Flowers, rain, and signs of spring mark March as Women’s History Month! Today’s TBT features coloring pages dating from 1881-1917, depicting various women doing what were once considered “men-only” activities: climbing trees, rowing boats, and voting. In modern terms, these women were definitely girlbosses, and we love to see it!
Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements and triumphs women have contributed to the US throughout the course of history, while also acknowledging the struggles that they faced to claim these rights and skills. If you have some spare time, check out this archive for access to all the illustrations.
Pick one to color! Personally, I’d have to go with The Gentlewoman issue from July, 1917.
Isabel Choi ’26, is Communication & Marketing Assistant at Falvey Library.
Falvey Library Service Hours: Easter 2022
Tuesday, April 12: 8 a.m.—12 a.m. (book stacks close at 11:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 13: 8 a.m.—10 p.m. (book stacks close at 9:30 p.m.)
Thursday, April 14—Sunday, April 17: Service desk and book stacks closed.
Monday, April 18: 2 p.m.—12 a.m. (book stacks close at 11:30 p.m.)
Villanova students, faculty, and staff may enter the Library building 24/7 with a valid Wildcard. Library services are available to the University community during posted service hours. Electronic collections (articles, e-books, and more!) are accessible through the Library’s website 24/7. For a full listing of service hours, visit the Library website.
Easter blessings, Nova Nation.
Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library.
“January. February. Villanova. April. May.”
I’m sure you’ve seen Maura White’s t-shirt design featured on The Nationer [if you haven’t already, check it out]. As if Villanovans need another reason to celebrate March, spring officially begins in two days! Signs of the shifting season have already begun to blossom on campus. This photo of Driscoll Hall was taken on this beautiful, sunny morning.
Have a great weekend, ‘Nova Nation—Go, Cats!
Midterms have passed and V’s of Canadian geese are pointed northward once more. That can only mean one thing—spring is just around the corner.
Earlier this week we caught up with Christine Onder ’24 and Lalih Harris ’25 as they lounged in a hammock near Falvey and enjoyed the almost-but-not-quite-spring vibes on campus.
(Photo by Shawn Proctor)
By Anna Jankowski
Happy March! The first day of Spring is just 18 days away! Let this flowery blast from the past remind you of warmer days.
Here, a young girl from a family in Wisconsin is seen posing in a field of flowers while collecting some in her arms. The photo, taken in 1919, mirrors the pics snapped by modern Instagram influencers.
You can find this image in a family photo album available through Falvey’s digital collection. According to the information, “The photograph album is 90 pages includes 70 pages of multiple photos…The photos include views of; California Missions & Travel; Early Tent Campers; Swimming; Little Boy in Indian Costume; Antique Automobiles; a few shots of Railroad Trains; Family Photos & Children; quite a few photos of young woman in period glamour poses.”
Anna Jankowski ’23 CLAS is a Junior Communication Major from just outside Baltimore who works as a Communication & Marketing Assistant in Falvey.
It’s Groundhog Day, and as residents of Pennsylvania, we should all rejoice, as this holiday originated in our state with the one and only Punxsutawney Phil. According to local lore, there really is only one Punxsutawney Phil, and there has never been another. In fact, the original Phil has been making annual weather predictions since 1886. Despite the average lifespan of groundhogs being only three years on average, Phil is currently over 135 years old.
Phil’s secret to longevity is the “elixir of life,” a secret drink he enjoys every summer at the Groundhog Picnic. Each serving of this magic drink grants Phil another seven years of life.
By the time this blog is published, Phil will have already made his weather prediction. However, there are other groundhogs throughout the country who take to the stage every Groundhog Day. My personal favorite (aside from Phil, of course) is Staten Island Chuck, who is formally known as Charles G. Hogg. Chuck has been New York City’s official groundhog meteorologist since 1981, and in spite of his relatively young career in the meteorology industry compared to Phil, he is no stranger to controversy.
In 2009, Chuck bit former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg during the Groundhog Day ceremony, and as a result, Chuck was secretly replaced by his granddaughter Charlotte for future festivities. Moreover, during Mayor Bill de Blasio’s first Groundhog Day ceremony, he dropped Charlotte! One week later, Charlotte passed away, and the Staten Island Zoo did not announce her death until several months later.
There has been lots of controversy surrounding whether de Blasio inadvertently killed Charlotte. Some even believe the Staten Island Zoo attempted to hide her death, but since the event, the zookeepers have confirmed they do not believe the fall was the cause of Charlotte’s death.
Some other famous groundhogs worth knowing are Buckeye Chuck of Ohio, Chuckles XI of Connecticut, Chattanooga Chuck of Tennessee, and Pierre C. Shadeaux of Louisiana.
Hopefully no more scandals about today’s holiday are revealed in the future, and all the nation’s groundhogs continue to perform their sacred duties in peace.
If you’d like to take part in today’s festivities from the comfort of your home, consider picking up the classic movie Groundhog Day, which is available here at Falvey on DVD or through streaming. Happy Groundhog Day everyone!
Ethan Shea is a first-year English Graduate student and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Memorial Library.
💐 Our latest digital mini exhibit, “A Celebration of Spring,” is just what it sounds like — a selection of lots of flowery images, as well as some bunnies, and even a bit of Irish music. 🎶 We hope this brings you some joy! 💝
Cover, The People’s Home Journal, May 1907.
West Goshen, PA—Spring has sprung in the garlic bed and the garden soil was delivered today! Homemade compost bins are thriving, too! Compare this view with the meetings that seem to sprout out of my computer with great regularity. We will be ready to tackle our team goals for the coming year when we return to campus! —Luisa Cywinski, Director of Access Services
What’s your personal #FridayOutlook? We want to see the view from where you are! Send it along to shawn.proctor@villanova.edu or message it (@villanovalibrary on Instagram and @FalveyLibrary on Twitter.)
Luisa Cywinski is Director of Access Service at Falvey Memorial Library.